Ironing machine



Y T1933- E. F. LOWEKE El AL 9 3 IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 1953 7Sheets-Sheet l f INVENTORS. ffW/N OWf/(E .400 fJE 5 BY fi/l/PVEY C.,SW/F r ATTORNEY.

July 12, 1938. E. F. LOWEKE ET AL IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 1933 7Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TORS.

flaw/v FLon/EKE AND BY HARVEY Cf SW/F7 ATTORNEY.

July 12, 13& E. F. LOWEKE El AL IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 1933 7Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY.

y E. F. LOVVEKE ET AL IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 1933 7Sheets-Sheet 4 fJE. 5 ,7

INVENTORS, Emu/w E Lows/rs m HARVEY CfJw/Fr ATTORNEY.

July 12, 1938. E. F. LOWEKE ET AL IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 1935 7Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS. f/PW/N FL OWE/n5 m C Jw/Fr BY fiA/PVE)ATTORNEY.

.Fu ly 12, 1938. E. F. LOWEKE ET AL IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 19337 Sheets-Sheet I INVEN TORS. /v FLOW A/il EY C. 4 7

ATTORNEY.

Patented July 12, 1938 IRONING MACHINE Erwin F. Loweke and Harvey 0.Swift, Detroit, Mich., assignors to Hydraulic Brake Company, Detroit,Mich, a corporation of California Application September 22, 1933, SerialNo. 690,620

32 Claims.

This invention relates to ironing machines, and more particularly tothat type known as domestic ironing machines.

An object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine operable byfluid pressure means eliminating undue manual effort on the part of theoperator.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machineincluding relatively movable ironing elements, one being automaticallydisplaceable to compensate for variations in the thickness of the work.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machineincluding relatively movable ironing elements, one of which isyi'eldingly supported to compensate for variations in the thickness ofwork and is operable by a fluid pressure means producing a uniformpressure on the work.

A further object of the invention is to provide an ironing machineincluding relatively movable ironing ,elements, and fluid pressure meansfor actuating one of the elements to produce maximum pressure on thework for the minimum amount of exertion on the part of the operator.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an ironing machineincluding relatively movable ironing elements, and a fluid pressuresystem for actuating one of the elements including means for supplyingfluid under pressure to the system and a pressure producing means foractuating the system.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will more fully appearfrom the following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention, and inwhich:

Figure 1 is a top plan View;

Figure 2 is a front elevation;

Figure 3 is a side elevation partly in section;

Figure 4 is a sectional view substantially on line 44, Figure 3, partsbeing broken away;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation andpartly in sectionillustrating the arrangement of the reservoir and pressure producingmeans;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view illustrating the operating lever;

Figure '7 is a sectional view substantially on line 1'|, Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the buck support;

Figure 9 is a longitudinal parts broken away;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view of the sectional view withreservoir and associated pressure producing means;

Figure 11 is a sectional view substantially on line lI-l I, Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a sectional view substantially on 5 line 12-12, Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an enlarged detail view of one end of the buck and bucksupport, including a fluid pressure actuated motor and a guide, partsbeing broken away;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view of the buck and buck support;

. Figure 15 is a fragmentary view of the horns supporting the head,illustrating the arrangement of the lamps therein, and

Figure 16 is a diagrammatical illustration of the operating circuit.

Referring to the drawings for more specific details of the invention, I0represents the frame of a table or other suitable support. The frame 20has bolted or otherwise secured thereto a casting including a housing 12having at one end thereof a hollow column l4 and at the other end ahollow column IS. The casting also has an outboard bearing l8 preferablyconnected to the wall of the housing by laterally extended arms.

The column l4 has therein oppositely disposed lugs 20 providing asuitable support for an operating unit indicated generally at 22. Thisoperating unit includes a reservoir, a pressure producing devicesupplied therefrom, and a relief valve associated with the pressureproducing device. As shown, a casting 24 has oppositely disposed lugs 26by which the casting may be secured to the lugs 20 in the column l4. Thecasting 24 has formed therein a cylinder 28 and a valve chamber 30arranged in parallel relation to the cylinder. The casting 24 also has acylindrical flange 32 to which is suitably secured a reservoir 34adapted to be filled with suitable fluid. The reservoir has therein apiston ,36 having a concentric sleeve 38 into which is threaded atubular piston rod 40 extending through an opening in the top of thereservoir. A leak-proof M cup 42 is fitted on the head of the piston,and held against displacement by a circumferential flange 44 on thesleeve 38; and a coil spring 45 of relatively high tension is interposedbetween the back of the piston and the top of the reser- 5o voir. Thefree end of the hollow piston rod 40 has threaded therein a plug 48which may be removed for the purpose of filling the reservoir throughthe rod 48, and to facilitate this operation a hand nut 50 is threadedon the rod so that the spring 46 may be compressed during the ingoperation.

The cylinder 28 has a port 52 providing a communication between thecylinder and the reservoir 34, and a suitable valve 58 is provided forcontrolling the port. The cylinder 28 also has a port 56 providing acommunication between the cylinder and a chamber 58 having therein acheck valve 60 for the control of a discharge passage 62. A piston 64reciprocable in the cylinder 28 has on its head a leak-proof cup 66 heldagainst displacement by a return spring 68 for the piston, interposedbetween the cup and the head of the cylinder; and the back of the pistonhas a recess I for the reception of a rod I2, and the rod is connectedto the cylinder by a boot I4 for excluding dust, etc.

The sleeve or valve chamber 30 has a diaphragm 16 which divides thesleeve into two chambers I8 and 80, and a port 82 in the diaphragmprovides a communication between the chambers. The chamber I8 is closedas by a plug, and a passage 86 communicating therewith is internallythreaded for the attachment of a pipe line or conduit. The chamber 80has a port 86 providing a communication between the chamber and thereservoir 80. A leak-proof cup 88 is positioned on the diaphragmI6within the chamber I8 and held against displacement by a spring80interposed between the cup and the plug. The cup has an openingregistering with the port 82, and the inner perimeter of the cupdefining the "opening slightly overhangs the perimeter of the diaphragmdefining the port, to provide an efficient seal for a valve 94.

The valve 94 has a stem 96 supported for reciprocation in a cage 98threaded in the open end of the chamber 80, and a leak-proof cup I00sleeved on the valve stem is seated on the inner end of the cage andheld against displacement by a spring I02 interposed between .the cupand the diaphragm I6. The valve stem 96 also has thereon a collar I04,and a spring I06 of a predetermined load is interposed between thecollar I04 and a ring I08 threaded in the outer end-of the cage.

The housing I2 and the off-set bearing I8 support a rockable shaft I I0.The shaft has thereon an arm II2, having a recess II4 which receives thepiston rod I2. The shaft also carries an arm II6 bifurcated to straddlethe valve stem 96 and to engage a nut I I8 threaded on the valve stem,so that the valve 94 may be opened manually and also automatically upona predetermined pressure in the chamber I8. The shaft has suitablysecured thereto an operating handle I20 preferably adjustable angularlyas by an eccentric I22 and limited in its movement as by a stop I24.

The column I4 has suitably secured thereto a buck support I26 includingan elliptical receptacle or bowl I28 having therein a partition or anupwardly extended flange I30 connecting the bottom and side walls of thebowl to provide a compartment I32 having a drain opening I34 adapted tobe closed as by a conventional plug.

Suitably supported in the respective ends of the receptacle areexpansible elements or fluid pressure actuated motors I36 and I40. Eachof these motors includes a cylinder chamber I42 having therein areciprocable piston I44 having on its head a leak-proof cup I46 heldagainst displacement by a spring I48 interposed between the cup and thehead of the cylinder. The motors I36 and I40 are connected as by a pipeline or conduit I50. The motor I36'is connected by a pipe line orconduit I52 to the discharge passage 62 of the cylinder 28 with a fluidpressure switch I54 interposed; and the motor I40 is connected as by apipe line or conduit I56 to the return passage 86 controlled by thevalve 94.

A buck I58 reinforced by ribs I60 and a marginal flange I62 hasdependent pins I64 and I66. The pins I64 are received by apertures inlugs I68 formed in the respective ends of the buck support-.126 toprovide suitable guides for the buck, and interposed between the buckand the lugs I68 are springs I20 which provide a cushion seat for thebuck. The pins I66 extend downwardly into the cylinders of the motorsI36 and I40 and engage the piston I49.

As shown, the marginal flange I62 on the buck extends above and belowthe buck, and a groove H2 in the face of the buck adjacent the flangecommunicates as by passages I14 with the compartment I32. A suitablescreen H6 is fitted on the face of the buck. This screen overhangs thegroove I72 and is retained against displacement by the flange I62, andthe screen is covered with a suitable fabric I28.

The column I6 has at its upper end a semispherical portion I80 in whichis formed oppositely-disposed bosses I82 bored for the reception of apin I84. This pin pivotally supports a hollow arm I86 and asemi-spherical portion I88 on the arm telescoping the semi-sphericalportion I80 on the column. As shown, the arm I86 has a transverse webhaving an integral arm I90 projecting downwardly into the column I6. Thearm I86 has a bearing I92 receiving the pivot pin I84 and a transversepin I94 connected by corresponding parallel springs I96 to lugs I98 onthe housing I2.

A bell crank lever 200 pivoted on the housing I2 has one of its legs 202pivoted to one end of links 206, the other ends of which are pivotallyconnected to the arm I80, and the leg 206 of the bell crank lever 200 isconnected by parallel springs 208 to suitable lugs on the housing. Thetoggle formed by the leg 202 of the bell crank lever 200 and the links204 is limited in its movement in one direction by a suitable stopon-the housing I2. When the toggle engages the stop, the knee of thetoggle issIightly past center, and when in this position the toggleserves to lock the arm I86 in a rigid position. The leg 206 of the bellcrank lever 200 is connected by a link 2I0 to an arm or lever 2I2mounted loosely on the shaft IIO between the levers H2 and I I6 and soengaged by an adjusting screw on the lever II2 that upon movement of theoperating lever to relieve the applied force on the pressure producingdevice, the lever II 6 operates to open the valve 94 and the toggle istripped immediately following the opening of the valve.

The arm I86 has formed integral therewith corresponding oppositelydisposed hollow horns 2I4 having pivoted thereto as at 2I6 a head 2I8adaptable for cooperation with'the buck. The head is provided with aconventional heating element 220, and positioned in the arm'I86 is aswitch 222 for control thereof. The horns have arranged therein abracket 224 supporting two lamps 226 and 228, the light from which isvisible through thecolored glass inserts 230 and" 232 in the horns. Arod 234 attached centrally lamp 226 and fluid pressure switch I54, alsolamp 228. The lamp 226 is effective when the fluid pressure'switch I54is closed at a predetermined pressure, and the light therefrom isvisible through the green insert 230, The lead 240 has connected thereinswitch 222, lamp 228, and heating element 220. The light from the lamp228 is visible through the red insert 232 which indicates that the heatis on.

In operation, assuming that the electrical circuit of -i ;he apparatusor machine is connected to a suitable source of electrical supply, thatthe system is filled with fluid, that the piston 36 in the reservoir 34is released to impose an initial pressure on the fluid in the system,and that the head 2I8 is elevated, under these conditions, upon placingwork upon the buck I18 and lowering the head into operative position,the buck, which is yieldingly supported on the springs I10, is depressedcorrespondingly to the thickness of the work, and also accommodatesitself to anyvariations in the thickness of'the work. After the buck isdepressed, any excess fluid in the system, including the motors I36 andI40, is-returned through the conduitsl50- and I56 to the chamber l8 ofthe relief valve, and from thence through port 82, chamber 80, and port84 to the reservoir 34. It is to be understood that the initial pressureimposed in the system by the load on the piston in the reservoir is notsulficient to raise the-buck but is adequate to retain the pistons ofthe motors always in engagement with the buck to' the end that lostmotion is avoided. I

Now, upon depressing the lever I20, the shaft IIO is rocked to move thelever II2 through an angle and thereby actuate the piston 64, causingdisplacement of fluid in the cylinder 28 past valve 60, through port 62,conduit I52, into motor I36, through this motor and conduit I50 intomotor I40, through motor I40, conduit I56 andpassage 86, to relief valve94 loaded to crack at a predetermined pressure somewhat in excess of thepressure necessary to effectively iron the work.

Upon delivery of fluid from the cylinder- 28 of the fluid pressureproducing device to .the

motors I36 and I40, the motors are actuated to move the buck against thehead to create suflicient pressure between them to effectively iron thework. -Because of the particular arrangement of the pressure producingdevice, the motors, and their connections, the buck is floated on acolumn of fluid which provides perfect equalization and hence uniformdistribution of pressure.

When pressure is built up to a sufficient intensityto eflectively ironthe work, the pres sure switch I54 is actuated to close the circuit 238and thereby light the lamp 226, the light from which is visible to theoperator through the green insert 230 in the horn 2I4. Should theoperator apply excessive force to the operating handle I20 causing unduemovement of the piston 64 in"the cylinder 28 resulting in excessivepressure in the system including the motors I36 and I40, the safetyvalve 94 cracks and returns the fluid through valve chamber I8, port 82,valve chamber 80, and port 84 to the reservoir.

Upon completing the ironing operation, the operator raises the handleI20, resulting in movement of the lever I I2. through an angle torelieve the applied force on the piston 64. With the applied forceremoved, thepiston is returned to its retracted position by the returnspring 68.

As the piston 64 returns to its retracted position, the valve 60 closesto prevent retrograde movement of the fluid in the system.

Simultaneously with the movement of the lever II2 to relieve the appliedforce on the piston of the pressure producing device, the lever H6 isactuated to open the relief valve and return excess fluid in the systemto the reservoir. Concomitantly with this operation the lever 2I2 isactuated through its adjustable connection with the lever II2 to exert apull on the link 2I0 and thereby trip the toggle 200, whereupon thesprings I85 automatically swing the arm I86 on its pivot I84, resultingin elevating the head 2 I8 to inoperative position.

Although this invention has been described in connection with certainspecific embodiments, the principles involved are susceptible ofnumerous other applications that will readily occur to persons skilledin the art. The invention is, therefore, to be limitedonly as indicatedby the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:-

' 1. An ironing machine comprising a head movable manually intooperative position, means for locking the head in operative position, areciprocatory buck cooperating with the head, fluid pressure means foractuating the buck, means operated manually for actuating the fluidpressure means including means for unlocking the locking means, andmeans effective upon unlocking the locking means to move the head toinoperative position.

2. An ironing machine comprising a head movable manually into operativeposition, means for locking the head in operative position, areciprocatory buck cooperating with the head, fluid pressure means foractuating the buck, means for relieving pressure in the fluid pressuremeans, means operated manually for actuating the fluid pressure meansincluding means for actuating the relief means and unlocking the lockingmeans,

and means effective upon unlocking the locking means to move the head toinoperative position.

3. An ironing machine comprising a head movable manually into operativeposition, means for locking the head in operative position, areciprocatory buck cooperating with the head, hydraulic means foractuating the buck, means for supplying fluid under an initial pressureto the hydraulic means, relief means for the hydraulic means, pressureproducing means for the hydraulic means, means for actuating thepressure producing means including means for actuating the relief meansand the locking means, and means effective upon unlocking the lockingmeans to move the head to inoperative position.

4. An ironing machine comprising a head mov able manually into operativeposition, means for locking the head in operative position, areciprocatory buck cooperating with the head, means yieldinglysupporting the buck, fluid pressure means for actuating the buck, meansfor supplying fluid under pressure to the fluid pressure means, a reliefmeans for the fluid pressure means, a pressure producing means for thefluid pressure means, means for actuating the pressure producing meansincluding means for actuating the relief means and the locking means,and means effective upon unlocking the locking means to move'the head toinoperative position.

5. An ironing machinecomprising a head movable into and from operativeposition, linkage including a toggle movable past dead center forlocking the head in operative position, tension members for retainingthe toggle pastdead center, and means for tripping the toggle includingan operating shaft, a lever arm on the shaft, a link connecting thelever arm to the toggle, and tension members eifective' upon trippingthe toggle to move the head to inoperative position.

6. An ironing machine comprising a head movable into and from operativeposition, linkage including a toggle movable past dead center to lockthe head in operative position, a reciprocatory buck for cooperationwith the head, fluid pressure actuated motors for actuating the buck, apressure producing device for actuating the motors, an actuator for thedevice including linkage for tripping the toggle, and tension memberseffective upon tripping the toggle to move the head to inoperativeposition.

7. An ironing machine comprising a head movable into and from operativeposition, linkage including a toggle movable past dead center to lockthe head in operative position, a reciprocatory buck cooperating withthe head, a fluid pressure system for actuating the buck, a relief valvein the system, an actuator for the system including an arm for actuatingthe relief valve and an arm for tripping the toggle, and tension memberseffective upon tripping the toggleto move the head to inoperativeposition.

8. An ironing machinecomprising a head movable into and from operativeposition, linkage including. a toggle movable past dead center to lockthe head in operative position, a reciprocatory buck cooperating withthe head, a fluid pressure system for actuating the buck, a reservoirfor supplying fluid to the system including an element imposing aninitial pressure in the system, a relief valve'in the system, a pressureproducing device for the system, an operative shaft,'an operating leversecured thereto, an arm on the shaft arranged to actuate the device whenthe'shaft is rotated in one direction, and a pair of arms on the shaftoperative when the shaft is rotated in the other direction to trip therelief valve and the toggle, and-tension elements effective upontripping the toggle to move the head to inoperative position.

9. An ironing machine comprising a head movable manually into operativeposition, linkage including a toggle for locking the headin operativeposition, a reciprocatory buck cooperating with the head, yieldingsupports for the buck to compensate for thickness of work when the headis moved into operative position, a fluid pressure system for actuatingthe buck, a reservoir for the system including an element imposing aninitial pressure in the system, a relief valve' in the system, apmssureproducing device in the system, an operating shaft, an operatinglever secured thereto, an arm on the shaft arranged to actuate thedevice when the shaft is rotatedin one direction, and. a pair of azmson. the shaft operative when the shaft is rotated in the other directionto trip the relief valve and the toggle, and tension elements effectiveupon tripping the toggle to move the head to inoperative position.

10. An ironing machine comprising a head movable manually intooperativepcsition, linkage including a toggle for locking the head inoperative position, a yieldingly supported reciprocatory buckcooperating with the head, a fluid pressure system for actuating thebuck including a pair of fluid pressure actuated motors, a

pressure producing device for delivering fluid for actuating, thelast-mentioned ironing element, a pressure producing device in the lastunder pressure to the motors, a relief valve connected in the system, areservoir for supplying fluid under pressure to the system, and manuallyoperated means for actuating the device including means forconcomitantly actuating the relief valve and breaking the toggle.

11. An ironing machine comprising a housing,

cooperative ironing elements supported thereon,

a shaft journaled in the housing, an operating lever secured to theshaft, a fluid pressure sys-' tem including a pressureproducing devicesupported in the housing and fluid pressure actuated motor meansconnected to the pressure producing device and arranged for actuatingone of the elements, an arm on the shaft for actuating the pressureproducing-device, a relief valve connected in the system, and an arm onthe shaft for actuating the relief valve. I

12. An ironing machine comprising a housing, cooperative ironingelements supported thereon, a shaft journaled in the housing, anoperating lever secured thereto, a fluid pressure system including apressure producing device supported in the housing, fluid pressureactuated motor means connected to the device and arranged for actuatingone of the elements, anarm on the shaft for actuating the device, arelief valve connected in the system, means for operating the reliefvalve including an arm on the shaft and a lost motion connection betweenthe arm and the relief valve. a

13. An ironing machine comprising a housing, cooperative ironingelements supported thereon, a shaft joumaled in the. housing, anoperating lever securedto the shaft, a hollow column communicating withthe housing, a fluid pressure system for actuating one of the elementsincluding a pressure producing device supported in the column and fluidactuated motor means connected to the device and arranged to supportwhen the element is in operative position, a

support on the other column including an open top receptacle, fluidpressure actuated motor means in the receptacle, an ironing element forcooperation with the first-mentioned ironing element supported andactuated by the motor means, a pressure producing device supported inthe last mentioned column and connected to the motor means, and meansfor operating the pressure producing device and the retaining means.

15. An ironing machine comprising a support including hollow spacedcolumns, an arm pivotally supported on one of the columns, an ironingelement supported by the arm for movement into and from operative,position, means in the column for locking the arm against movement whenthe element is in operative position, a support on the other columnincluding a receptacle com municating with the column, brackets in there-.

ceptacle, an ironing element yieldingly supported on the brackets andarranged for cooperation with the first-mentioned ironing element, fluidpressure actuated motor meansin the receptacle mentioned column fordelivering fluid under pressure to the motor means, and means foractuating the device and unlocking the locking means.

16. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, asupport for one of the elements including an open top receptacle,brackets in the receptacle, means for yieldingly supporting the ironingelement on the brackets, fluid pressure actuated motor means in thereceptacle for actuating the ironing element, a pressure producingdevice for delivering fluid under pressure to the motor means, and meansfor actuating the device.

17. An ironing machine comprising cooperating ironing elements, asupport for one of the elements including a hollow column, an open topreceptacle on the column having an opening in its bottom registeringwith the column, brackets in the respective ends of the receptaclehaving openings therein, dependent pins on the back of the ironingelement slidable inthe openings, springs on the pins between the ironingelement and thebrackets, fluid pressure actuated niotor means in thereceptacle for actuating the ironing element,

a pressure producing device in the column, fluid pressure delivery pipeshoused in the receptacle and the column and connecting the device to themotor means, and means for actuating the device.

18. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, asupport for one of the elements including a hollow column, an elongatedopen top receptacle on the column having an opening in its bottomregistering with the column, a compartment in the receptacle having adrain opening, brackets in the respective ends of the receptacle, andmeans supporting the ironing element on the brackets above thereceptacle, said ironing element having a marginal flange one edge ofwhich extends upwardly, a continuous groove in the upper face of theironing element adjacent the flange and passages connecting the grooveand the compartment.

19. An ironing machine comprising an ironing head, a buck adaptable forcooperation therewith, a support for the buck including a. receptaclefor the reception of condensate produced between the head and the buck,means in the receptacle for yieldingly supporting the buck over thereceptacle, expansible elements in the receptacle for actuating thebuck,'a fluid pressure producing device connected to the expansibleelements, and means for operating the device.

20. An ironing machine comprising a pair of cooperative ironingelements, a support for one of the ironing elements including an opentop receptacle, supportsin therespective ends thereof, an ironingelement yieldingly supported on the supports, expansible elements on thesupports for actuating the ironing element, the ironing element having amarginal flange extending above the upper face of the element and belowits edge, a continuous groove in the upper face of the element adjacentthe flange, and ribs on the back of the element certain of which havepassages providing communications between the groove and the receptacle.

21. In an ironing machine, an ironing element including a convex platehaving a peripheral flange one edge of which extends above the plate anda groove in the face of the plate adjacent the flange, and ribs on theback of the plate certain of which have drain passages communicatingwith the groove.

22. In an ironing machine, an ironing element including a convex platehaving a peripheral flange extending above and below the plate and acontinuous groove in the upper face of the plate adjacent to the flange,ribs. on the back of the plate certain of which have drain passagescommunicating with the groove, and a screen on the plate retained inposition by the flange.

23. In an ironing machine, an ironing element including a convex platehaving a perimetral flangeextending above and below the plate and acontinuous groove in the face of the plate adjacent the flange, ribs onthe back of the plate certain of which, have drain passagescommunicating with the groove, and a screen on the plate having itsperimeter overhanging the groove and engaging the flange.

24. An ironing machine comprising a base, a hollow support thereon, anarm pivoted on the support, an ironing element suspended from the arm, atoggle in the hollow support for actuating the arm, means for actuatingthe toggle, and a tension element connected between the toggle and thebase tending to break the toggle.

2 5. An ironing machine comprising a base, a hollow support thereon, anarm pivoted'to the support, an ironing element suspended from the arm, atoggle in the support connecting the arm to the base, means foractuating the toggle to lock the head against movement when in operativeposition, means for tripping the toggle, and means effective upontripping the toggle for actuating the toggle to raise the arm.

26. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, abase,'a hollow support thereon, an arm supporting one of the ironingelements, said arm being pivoted on the support and having a partextending into thesupport, a toggle including a bell crank-lever havingits knee pivoted on the base and a link connecting one leg of the leverto the part, means connected to the other leg of the lever for actuationthereof, a fluid pressure system for actuatingthe other ironing element,and means for operating the fluid pressure system including means forbreaking the toggle. I

27. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, a base,a hollow support thereon, an arm supporting one of the ironing elements,said arm being pivoted to the support and having a part extending intothe support,

a toggle including a bell crank lever having its knee pivoted on thebase and a link connecting one leg of the lever to the part, a springconnecting the other leg of the lever to the base, springs connectingthe part to the base, a fluid pressure system for actuating the' otherironing element, and meansfor actuating the fluid pressure systemincluding means for breaking the toggle.

, 28. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, abase, a hollow support thereon, an arm pivoted thereto, supporting oneof the ironing elements, a toggle including a bell crank lever partly inthe support, the knee of the lever being pivoted on the base, a link inthe support connecting one leg of the lever to the arm, a

. spring connecting the other leg of the lever to the base for urgingthe toggle past dead center to retain the arm against movement, springsin the support connecting the arm to the base tending to raise the arm,means for tripping the toggle, a fluid pressure system for actuating theother ironing element, and means for operating the fluid pressure systemincluding means for actuating the tripping means.

29. An ironing machine comprising cooperative i'roningelements, onemovable manually into operative position, means for moving this elementto inoperative position, a fluid pressure system for actuating the otherironing element including a cylinder, 2. piston movable therein, areservoir communicating with the cylinder, a check valve controlling thecommunication, a relief valve con nected in the system, a spring-loadedpiston in the reservoir imposing an initial pressure in the system; andmeans for actuating the piston including means for tripping the reliefvalve.

30. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, onemovable manually into operative positionymeans for.v locking thiselement .in operative position, a fluid pressure system for actuatingthe other ironing element including a cylinder, a piston movabletherein, a reservoir for supplying fluid to the cylinder, a check valvefor controlling the passage between the cylinder and the reservoir, arelief valve connected in the system, a spring-loaded piston in thereservoir imposing an initial pressure in the system, means for fillingthe reservoir through the piston, and means for actuating the piston inthe cylinder including means for tripping the relief valve.

31. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, asupport for one of the ironing elements, an electrical circuit, aheating element for the ironing element connected in the circuit, aswitch for control of the circuit, means connected in the circuit givinga visual indication when the circuit is closed, a fluid pressure systemfor actuating the other ironing element to create an ironing pressurebetween the ironing elements, a second circuit tapped ofl of the firstcircuit, a fluid pressure switch connected in the system and iri thesecond circuit operative to close the second circuit when the ironingpressure is created, means connected in the second circuit for giving avisual indication when the second circuit is closed, and means foroperating the fluid pressure system. a

V 32. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, asupport for one of the ironing elements, an electrical circuit housed inthe support, a heating element arranged in the ironing element andconnected in the circuit, a switch in the support for control of thecircuit, a signed device in the support indicating when the circuit isclosed, a fluid pressure system for actuating the other ironing elementto create an ironing pressure between the ironing elements, a secondcircuit in the support tapped 0d of the first circuit, a fluid pressureswitch connected in the circuit for giving an indication when the secondcircuit is closed, and means for operating the fluid pressure system. 7

